The number of COVID-19 cases spiked from 126 to 137 Tuesday in India, including 14 discharged and three deaths.
The new figures forced the government to issue an advisory asking businesses to allow employees to work from home.
The country also reported its third death from the virus Tuesday.
“The fourth batch of 53 Indians - 52 students and a teacher- has arrived from Tehran and Shiraz. With this, a total of 389 Indians have returned to India from Iran. Thanks to the efforts of the Embassy of India in Iran and Iranian authorities,” he wrote.
The cases rose dramatically Tuesday with its epicenter in the western state of Maharashtra.
On Monday, the ministers of health, civil aviation and external affairs held a meeting to review the current status, and actions for prevention and management of COVID-19.
"After the meeting, the social distancing measures as a preventive strategy have been proposed for implementation. These measures are a preventive step to contain COVID-19 in the country and will in force till March 31," said a document released by the Health Ministry.
Key measures proposed include the closure of all educational institutions- schools, colleges and universities- gyms, museums, cultural and social centers, swimming pools and theaters. All ASI-protected monuments and central museums across the country will also be shut until March 31.